So after tackling a semester-in-a-day a couple of weeks ago, I dug into the IC archives and noticed that several people strongly encouraged test-takers to study for Psychology, Sociology, Ed Psychology and Human Growth & Development in close proximity since they were all related. I had already passed the first two, so I figured I better get back in there for the last two before all that good knowledge fell out of my brain.

At this point in time, I'm an IC die-hard. No textbooks, no other study this and that--I'm going IC (and Wikipedia and sample exams) all the way till that method fails me. Today was my fourth round of testing and I haven't even come close to failing anything--including the tests I didn't study for! The two greatest benefits of IC (and I mean GREATEST!) are this forum and the flashcards. The flashcards are a wonderful introduction to each subject and the tips on the forum are priceless. For those who never had to sink ungodly amounts of money into textbooks, you may never fully appreciate the magnitude of what IC offers. The fact that they keep the price very affordable, provide their entire catalog for one low monthly fee and offer all this support speaks volumes about their character and business ethic (and I don't even know who they are... except it looks like Steve runs things). In any event, here's what today looked like:

I started with HG&D. I had very little time to study so I basically narrowed down the flashcards to the ones I didn't know and studied them the morning of the exam. I probably put a total of three hours into it. I copied a post that described the exam as pretty hard--and that it was. Questions were deeper than I expected. Since I take my tests two to four at a time, I really have a hard time remembering what was on them, but suffice to say that you should study all of IC and go in depth via Wikipedia where you can. In fact, as a previous poster noted, there is a LOT about infant development. Since IC, does all the work for me, I don't even bother looking at the ratios of areas to study--but based on my test--they should give infant development 30%. The IC folks may event want to beef up the infant info. Usually I do the CLEP practice and all the Petersons, but I didn't have time so I just did the CLEP. I don't really know what I got right or wrong, but when I hit the button I had a 65 and was pretty happy with that.

On to Educational Psych. I had studied more for this and this exam seemed like it was written from a totally different paradigm as compared to HG&D. To predict my final score, I usually keep a tally of the number of questions for which I know the answers, the questions I can narrow down and, finally, those which are a complete guess. On HG&D I knew 46, narrowed down 33 and didn't know 10. (BTW, if these numbers don't add up it just means I missed a few in my tally). On Educational Psych, I knew 69, narrowed down 26 and didn't know 5. By far my best tally so I was expecting a high score--but--I didn't go back and check my answers since it's pass/fail for me and I was quite sure I passed--AND--I wanted to see if the proctor would let me try a third exam and I knew he wanted to leave on time. So--I hit the button. 70. I thought I did a little better, but everything over 50 is gravy anyway, so, off I went to ask if I could try Personal Finance.

He gave me the OK--as long as he could leave on time. That left me an hour and fifteen minutes for a two hour, 98 question exam. I had studied the DSST prep materials and not much more. I knew some of what would be on the test from a previous post--which was dead on. First off, the test is a wild mix of surface questions with ridiculously deep questions every so often. If you're taking this test, you should know how to calculate interest over time (if you have $X and are making 6% interest, how long will it take you to double your money--or how long will it take you to earn $1,500...). I only know one way to do that and it's nothing I can do without a calculator in a 98 question timed exam I've agreed to take in one hour and 15 minutes. You also should know everything about the four different types of life insurance--and I mean everything--as well as stocks, bonds, annuities, and A LOT about taxation, tax brackets, there's a W2, W4 etc. question (if you always mix them up, like me, you probably won't get that one right). So, I guessed on the eight or so questions that required interest computation and did my best on the rest. Working at a brisk pace, I finished just on time. I knew the answers to 47 questions, narrowed down 35 and the rest I didn't know. That got me a 67. Way more than I needed for an "A" and a nice capper for a nine (9) credit day.

For those who have asked if they should try more than one test at a time--you can probably tell what my answer would be. Of course! Particularly if you're in the early going like me and the six month waiting period won't be a problem. I'm steadily preparing less and less until I find the minimum point of preparation (if I ever become an authority on CLEP testing, this will be my MPP theory!) As always, a sincere thank you to those who contribute to this forum as well as the folks who run InstantCert. Also, thank you to all who read to the end of this impossibly long and rambling post.

I have 18 more credits to go and only 3 are needed for science. The rest are electives. I thought that I would take Social Sciences, Biology, and Natural sciences. That way it will be less money and only three more tests assuming that I pass them all. I've just passed US History 2 and now I am studying US History 1 in preparation for Social Sciences. I don't know though about my plan. Everything seems like a chore to cram in my brain at this point.

What are some of your opinions on the easiest tests to take for me at this point? The tests that I've already taken are listed in my signature.

Just got back from taking Intro to Business Law. I scored a 58. I am suprised at this one. I was not feeling confident at all going in. I had gone through the IC stuff a couple of times and had taken two of the Petersons tests. I got a 60 on one and a 40 on the other about 2 hours before the test. I felt the test was alot easier than the Peterson tests I took. Also, there was alot more about international law than what was presented on IC. In the end all that matters is I have passed.

I plan on taking Intro to World Religions next. I was thinking art but there is no material on IC for it so I guess I will wait on that one. Anyone with any suggestions or comments on World Religions would be appreciated.

I was reading a post a few down that got me thinking.

What courses are good to pair up when studying? Some one in a earlier post mentioned there was a thread outlining a good strategy for pairing tests. such as DSST intro to computing then take info computer systems CLEP.

Anyone care to posts their strategy or what tests share similar info etc?

Thanks

Hi everybody!

I just wanted to say that I have officially completed one sememster of college! Though it actually took me longer than one semester to do, I saved TREMENDOUSLY in time spent studying or in classes, and had more time to do other things that interest me. It also isn't much and I still have many more to go, but, most kids like me that are still in High School don't have more than just a couple credits (if any).

This path to earning a Bachelors degree is in my opinion SO much better than the traditional way. Even if it still takes me 4 years, during that 4 years I will have much more time to do other things I am interested in, and doing it all from home!

BTW, I love this forum and the IC flashcards! I was having some trouble studying from huge text books and trying to figure out what was actually going to be on the test. Now, I won't have that problem any more, and I think it will help to speed up the process!

cpstudent

Hello friends,

Just got back a few hours ago from sitting this one. Whew. With a 3 1/2 hour drive each way to take these it makes for a full day. :eek:

The center I go to is still pencil and paper so I won't know how I really did for awhile. It has been taking 19 to 21 days to receive my scores. I'll let you know when it comes.

I felt really good about this one going in and still do. Used IC, looking up some unfamiliar terms at Wikipedia, read three chapters of a textbook that came this weekend and took some practice quizzes at Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior

There were more questions regarding the uses of stimulants and hallucinogens than I expected. Thought the focus might be more on recognizing them by their different generic names as well as street names.

Besides the obvious things to know concerning alcohol, like BACs, or how much alcohol is in a glass of wine, know the stages of detoxification really well. I had three different questions approaching detox from different angles.

Know the classifications and schedules I-V and why the main ones are where they are. Know the differences between withdrawal symptoms for the different classifications.

I think that IC is really all I would have needed to pass this. The supplements have hopefully helped to get a better than passing score though.

Does Excelsior have letter grades for Dantes exams or just pass fail like the Cleps?

Got my unofficial eval from Excelsior. I need more credits. Some I know how to get...these are the ones Im not sure about...

-"managerial finance or financial management" (DSST Principles of finance?)

-ethics - (DSST Ethics in america?)

-business policy

-production/operations management

-information literacy (ive heard there may be a cheaper alternative to taking this through excelsior)

-and also "at least 12 credits of advanced level business electives"

Please help with recommendations on what tests I can take to knock these out.

THANK YOU!!!

Hey guys,
Just wanted to let you know I found another helpful accounting site:
Free stuff accounting, free study aids, help with accounting homework, help with debits and credits, accounting links, free tax software.

Does anyone have if excelsior will grant credit for skillsoft courses? Thanks!

~Rich